A strong piece of early 20th century sewing history, this 1929 Handbook of Lessons in White Schools of Costume Art blends practical dressmaking instruction with period fashion education.
Published by the White Sewing Machine Company, it covers sewing methods, pattern drafting, collars, sleeves, seams, fitting, and costume design with crisp diagrams throughout.
This is the kind of book that appeals to readers first for its historical content and collectors second for its connection to home sewing, design training, and women’s education.
Photo-verified and sold as found, with clear wear and loose pages noted.
Quick Specs
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Item Type: Hardcover instructional handbook
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Size: 8 x 5 x 1 inches
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Material: Cloth over boards, paper pages
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Color: Dark brown cover with black and brown lettering
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Origin or Maker: White Sewing Machine Company, Cleveland, Ohio
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Year or Era: 1929
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GENRE: Sewing Instruction; Costume Art; Fashion Design History
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Language / Pages: English / 181 pages
Edition & Features
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Edition/Printing: 1929 handbook edition
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Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Instructional diagrams, sewing diagrams, pattern drafts, garment construction illustrations
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Extras: Period ownership writing and notes on front endpaper
Condition Grade: Fair
Positives: Complete vintage sewing handbook with attractive original cloth boards and readable cover title. Interior text remains legible, with substantial historical sewing and costume instruction throughout. Diagrams and drafting illustrations are present and clear. A solid reference for research, display, or collection.
Issues / Wear: Pages are loose. Noticeable age wear to binding and hinges. Cover shows rubbing, scuffing, edge wear, and general surface wear. Interior pages show age toning. Pencil handwriting and notes are present on the front endpaper. Sold as found, with visible wear consistent with use and age.
- See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
Provenance & Notes
Sold as found. Front endpaper shows period pencil writing, including a name and address style notation, along with sewing-related notes.
About the Author: Evalyn Shackelford
Evalyn Shackelford prepared this instructional handbook for the White Sewing Machine Company, tying practical garment construction to a formal course-style program in costume art.
Books like this gave home sewers and dressmakers a structured path into fitting, drafting, and design during the early 20th century.
For the reader who likes their fashion history with actual working knowledge stitched into every page.
Shelf-worthy vintage finds you can trust. Find Your Story.
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Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
